Govt revises L. Olhuveli resort jurisdiction on council request
The only area near Maamendhoo’s jurisdiction that remains under local control is Hulhumandhoo, an inhabited island in the vicinity.
In a presidential decree on Wednesday, President Mohamed Muizzu has amended the jurisdiction of the resort on Olhuveli island, operated by Six Senses in the Laamu Atoll, following a request by the local island council over shared governance with the neighbouring island of Maamendhoo.
The decision effectively reassigns part of Olhuveli’s lagoon territory that previously fell under Maamendhoo’s jurisdiction, restoring the island's autonomy in this area.
The amendment addresses a long-standing issue. Under the previous government, parts of Olhuveli— including a supply jetty and popular tourist swimming area—were under Maamendhoo’s jurisdiction, creating administrative overlap. This arrangement meant that the resort had to pay a monthly fee of $1,800 to the Maamendhoo council since May of last year, even though it primarily operates under Six Senses and maintains a separate presence.
According to Yoosuf Jazlan, a member of the Maamendhoo island council, the island council had initially justified the fee due to the use of what was technically Maamendhoo’s territory.
“Maamendhoo only has jurisdiction over a very small area. But the resort had to pay for using the space,” Jazlan said, explaining the council's position prior to today’s decree.
Now, as a result of President Muizzu’s directive, the area no longer falls under Maamendhoo's governance, simplifying administrative oversight for Olhuveli. The only area near Maamendhoo’s jurisdiction that remains under local control is Hulhumandhoo, an inhabited island in the vicinity.
